Developmental Milestones – 

Growing up on schedule

Developmental milestones are the markers that let us know how children are progressing.  By being aware of when a child reaches a milestone, we can know if a child is progressing as they should, or when they are ahead or behind.  In preschoolers most milestones are related to fine and gross motor function (e.g., when they sit up, stand and walk).  The age at which children learn to sit on their own and walk are all well known.  In addition to these physical milestones, there are cognitive or intellectual and social milestones, which are also well established.  A couple of examples of cognitive milestones are, when your child said their first words or when they realized the consequences to their actions (e.g., I dropped something and it went “boom.”)

These accomplishments are important because they let both parents know how a child is progressing - if they are growing up on schedule. Researchers have studied developmental milestones. As a result, the age ranges that most children accomplish these milestones are well known.  If you suspect that your child is either ahead or behind, then it is possible to have an assessment done to determine how they are progressing.  Parents often wonder at what age a child can be assessed.  The answer is, a standardized test can be administered from 18 months onward.  Standardized tests assess development by comparing a child to a well researched set of age based standards.  These standardized tests are administered by a trained and registered psychologist.  These tests have been developed over decades and are very good at determining a child’s function at a given age to determine if they are growing up on schedule.

Assessments should include an interview of the parents/ caregivers, who provide background information and history.  Then the child is given a number of tasks to complete, such as naming pictures of familiar objects.  How your child did on the tasks is then compared to the “normative” group of same aged children, thus determining how your child is progressing. 

It should be noted that developmental milestones continue into the school years and beyond. For example, a child in grade one usually knows the alphabet and is able to read simple sentences.  Clearly, the emphasis during the school years is on cognitive or academic milestones.  Formal assessments of these abilities require the use of standardized, normed intellectual and academic measures, which is why they are often called psychoeducational assessments.  These psychological tests will determine if your child is at an age appropriate level, ahead or behind.

A registered psychologist is  someone who is registered with the College of Psychologists of Ontario and thus meets the high standards required by the College.  While nearly anyone with some basic training can administer a test, psychologists have been extensively trained both in administration and the interpretation of psychoeducational tests.  Thus, by having a psychologist administer and interpret the tests, as the parent you obtain the benefit of years of training and experience for your child.  In addition, there is a report generated which also provides recommendations that any educator can put in place.

What should parents do if they suspect their child is ahead or behind other children in development?

o       Become educated as to normal developmental milestones

o       Speak with your doctor, or your child’s teacher

o       If concerns remain, then ask for a psychoeducational assessment.

Tracking your child’s development can alert you to any discrepancies in development. Early identification can lead to early intervention to help your child catch up or make the most of particular strengths.

Estes Moustacalis, Ph.D., C.Psych.  (Dr. “M”)

www.oakvillepsychologist.com

info@oakvillepsychologist.com

905 617-8308

Providing psychoeducational assessments and consultation on behalf of children with learning difficulties.